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The Muppet Show -
Season 3
Directed by: Philip Casson
Starring: Frank Oz (voice)
Genre:
Comedy/Musical
Run Time: 30
min. episodes
Release Date:
May 2008
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
Growing up Muppet-style wasn’t a choice, it was
mandatory! From corny jokes and wild band members (Animal was my
favorite), to grumpy old men booing in the balcony and listening to
singing, dancing, and the acting talent of the day, The Muppet Show
still holds nostalgic sway for those of us who grew up watching Jim
Henson’s puppeted cadre. Season three started off with a bang as singer
Rita Coolridge graced the show with her amazing voice and actor Kris
Kristofferson decided to rough-up a few of the cast. The show really got
blazing, though, during episode four when Gilda Radner took a liking to
Kermit, much to the chagrin (and karate chop) of Miss Piggy. But the
Muppet brigade took a stunning jolt in episode seven when Alice Cooper
was the guest star. Playing with the Muppet band, Alice took the show to
a whole new level, showing U.S. audiences that puppets can be topical
(and controversial?). It was then that The Muppet Show really
started to take wing. Actors, musicians, and many other Hollywood
talents began showing up in season three. From the voluptuous Rachel
Welch and exceptionally talented Harry Bellafonte, to muscle man Sly
Stallone and blonde bombshell Cheryl Ladd, the show gained notoriety
from new quarters.
The amazing thing about The Muppet Show is that kids and adults
can both enjoy it, but on totally different levels. Kids will probably
like the physical comedy (watching Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker blow
up the lab, or having a dog operate in an episode of Animal Hospital, “A
show that has gone to the dogs.”) while adults will be amazed at the
interspecies attractions between the likes of Kermit and Miss Piggy, or
Gonzo (whatever he is) and his chickens (note the plural there; was he a
polygamist?)
No mention of The Muppet Show would be complete without noting
the supporting cast. Two favorites tend to be Waldorf and Statler, the
old hecklers that are perched in the balcony and heave insults and boos
at the cast. My other personal favorite is Sam the Eagle (so
overly-pompous).
Digitally remastered just like seasons one and two, the sound and visual
qualities on most HD TVs is quite nice but still iffy in places. If you
don’t have an HDTV, you’ll probably still enjoy it, but I’d recommend
seeing it in all its digitally intended glory.
This latest release has some interesting packaging that I should
mention. The cover-image of Fozzie actually has a soft texture that
resembles his fur. Animal packaging? And there are some cool extra
features, too:
“Muppets on Puppets” is a sixty-minute feature. Hosted by Jim Henson, it
looks at the early formation of the Muppets. A rare feature that
appeared first in 1969. Great Muppet history for those that want to be
“in-the-know.”
“A Company of Players” is a behind the scenes look at the puppeteers.
The fascinating work of master puppeteers comes to light. For those that
don’t want the magic spoiled, you might want to pass on this one.
“Muppets Commercials” are a couple of Purina Dog Chow commercials that
are hysterically funny.
A Trailer for Disney’s upcoming release “Wall-E” and an advertisement
for the new 2-Disc and Blu-Ray editions of “The Nightmare Before
Christmas.”
The Muppet Show ran for five years (1976 through 1980) and here in
season three they were hitting an incredibly smooth stride. All the
cast, crew, and guests appeared relaxed and to have enjoyed themselves
immensely. The Alice Cooper episode is a must see, at the very least.
Unfortunately there is no Blu-Ray disc release of any of the series, but
I have a feeling they’re coming. And if they don’t come out in the near
future, I’m gonna send out Miss Piggy to find out why. Hear that Sony?
(back to top) |
Image from The Muppet Show
- Season 3
DVD cost: $24.99
Purchase:
Tower.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
Of all the musical numbers
they cooked up for the show, the one the producers were most proud of
was created from Harry Belafonte's request for a meaningful piece, which
had the singer singing "Turn the World Around" with puppets made to
resemble traditional African tribal masks.
Movie Quote: "Hi-ho,
Kermit the Frog here."
Other Actors/Actresses
from The Muppet Show - Season 3
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